1. Dr Jo Shaw, Manager: Rhino Programme, WWF SA
SUCCESSES, CHALLENGES, PITFALLS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR ANTI-RHINO POACHING STRATEGIES
Dr Jo Shaw, Manager: Rhino Programme, WWF SA
PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COLLOQUIUM ON ANTI-RHINO POACHING, 13th September 2016

2. 4. Trade chain co-operation
5. Demand
& Trade
4. Trade chain co-operation
3. Law enforcement support
2. Community Engagement
1. Resilient Populations
Committee of Inquiry
Biological management
Community empowerment
Security / Law Enforcement
Legislation
Demand management
WWF SA
Five-point strategic framework for rhino conservation

3. Level of commitment and scale of response shown by South Africa overall
Strategic, integrated and innovative approaches
Recognition of a broader economic, security threat
Building on rhino conservation history
SUCCESSES

4. CoI Escalate response (NISCWT) SAPS, not ranger TOC
Decrease in poaching from KNP, in face of increased incursions
Increased arrests and not only poachers but higher up the chain
Recognition of need to address rhino poaching as part of transnational networks
CoI
Escalate response (NISCWT) SAPS, not ranger TOC
Fall under mandate of SAPS
SUCCESSES

5. Need for long-term funds to support rhino conservation actions for all areas / owners
Spread of poaching threat from KNP to other Provinces and Parks
Increasing pressure on rhinos in Namibia and Zimbabwe
CHALLENGES

6. Need to address the relationships between rural communities and conservation areas
Issues with corruption associated with transnational trafficking networks
Alleged diplomatic involvement in trafficking horn
Looking OUTSIDE PROTECTED AREAS at bigger drivers
COMMUNITIES CRITICAL, ANNETTE WILL RAISE – governance and economic opportunities.
CHALLENGES

7. PITFALLS Divisive debates around sustainable use / demand reduction
Threats associated with intensive breeding of rhinos
Raising unrealistic expectations within communities
PITFALLS

8. PITFALLS What are we doing?
Need increased convictions following from increased arrests in SA
Law enforcement response required for illegal behaviour in Mozambique, and consumer countries like Viet Nam and China
What are we doing?
PITFALLS

9. CITES to hold countries to account on actions – especially enforcement action in Asia
Greater collaboration nationally, regionally and internationally for impact along the illicit trade chain
OPPORTUNITIES

10. THANKS jshaw@wwf.org.za
Governance challenges, at scales and for different reasons. Need to address issues for people around Parks, recognise security significant of TOC and enforce at the at level, address illegal behaviour in Asia. WWF role in biological management / science, community involvement and best practise, supporting the right people to address illegal behaviour
WHY - Face of rhino conservation changed, possibly forever, and greater threats to other species coming (elephants ivory, lion bones) if not prioritised
Without charismatic animals could lose tourists, parks and income. Not just about rhinos as an animal. Depressing, exciting, complex and critical challenge.
THANKS